Pleione

Pleiones or Garden Orchids are one of the few that can be successfully grown in the garden without much difficulty. Originating from China, these small rhizomatous orchids are semi-hardy. They have lanceolate leaves that are 10cm (4in) long. The solitary flowers, pale pink in colour, have a large trumpet-shaped lip, white with brown markings and fringed edges. Pleione formosana alba is a rare variety with white flowers. In spring, Pleiones should be planted in a very porous, acidic, gravelly soil in a semi-shaded position. In pots, a mixture of seed compost and pumice with good drainage is recommended. The location should never be dry or waterlogged. Mulch in winter or cover with a cloche. Pleiones can be used in rockeries, miniature gardens, pots, or grouped in woodland areas. Pleione formosana is the hardiest variety in our climate. Pleione limprichtii has purplish-pink flowers with light markings on the inside of the lip.